VANCOUVER, BC – More than 700 Emergency Communications Professionals represented by CUPE 8911 have issued 72-hour strike notice after months of negotiations failed to produce an agreement that addresses the staffing and retention challenges facing BC’s emergency communications system.
The union is also calling on the Minister of Labour to appoint a special mediator to assist the parties in reaching a new collective agreement.
“British Columbians expect that when they call 9-1-1, they’ll get the help they need quickly. But right now, the people who answer those calls are being pushed to their breaking point. Public safety is too important to keep postponing solutions,” said Donald Grant, President of CUPE 8911.
“We are calling on the Minister of Labour to recognize the urgency of this situation and appoint a special mediator to assist the parties in reaching an agreement to ensure we have a stable and reliable 9-1-1 service.”
E-Comm 9-1-1 and CUPE 8911 have engaged in more than 20 days of negotiations since bargaining began in November 2025. Major outstanding issues include fair wages, reflecting the responsibility and complexity of the job, safe staffing levels, and improved health and wellness supports.
Last month CUPE 8911 members delivered an overwhelming strike mandate, with members voting 95 per cent in favour of strike action. The parties resumed negotiations this week but were unable to make any progress towards a deal and have now officially reached impasse.
The union says that strike action is always a last resort. However, after months of negotiations they have been unable to negotiate a new contract that addresses the challenges facing 9-1-1 workers, and this has left members with few remaining options.
“With wildfire season approaching, the potential for extreme weather events, and increased summer demand, we are entering one of the busiest periods of the year for BC’s emergency communications system,” says Grant. “The time to address the staffing crisis facing BC’s 9-1-1 system is now.”
CUPE 8911 will be in a legal strike position as of 3:29 pm on Monday, June 8, 2026. The Union and its members say they take their responsibility to the people of British Columbia seriously, remain committed to public safety. An Essential Service Order is in place and outlines the level of service that must be maintained during any legal job action.
“We remain available to continue negotiations, but bargaining has reached a point where outside assistance is needed. There is still an opportunity to reach a fair settlement and avoid any disruption to services, but that will require two willing parties focused on solutions.”
About Emergency Communications Professionals of British Columbia:
CUPE 8911, the Emergency Communications Professionals of BC, represents more than seven hundred 9-1-1 operators, call takers, dispatchers, IT, and support professionals employed by E-Comm. With worksites in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Saanich, members provide 99% of the initial 9-1-1 call answer for the province, and answer, triage, dispatch and update emergency calls for 33 police agencies and 40 fire departments across the province.
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